NPR News Now: December 15, 2025 – 9PM EST

Host: Ryland Barton, NPR
Date: December 16, 2025
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This concise news roundup delivers the key headlines and stories shaping the evening of December 15, 2025. From a shocking high-profile murder in Los Angeles to updates on national healthcare, terrorism prevention, labor rights, and the upcoming Winter Olympics, NPR brings listeners the top developments with clarity and urgency.

Key Stories & Discussion Points

1. Murder of Rob Reiner and Wife Michelle Reiner (00:14–01:19)

• Incident: Noted director Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle were found killed at their LA home. Their son, Nick Reiner, has been arrested and is charged with murder.
• Background:
  • Nick Reiner has had public struggles with mental health and substance abuse.
  • Notably, Rob and Nick co-wrote the film Being Charlie (2015), based on Nick’s experiences.

Notable Quote:

“If your kid is going through rough times, you—you know, the parent is—your main job is to keep your child safe. So I, I would do anything. I didn’t—I even, I felt at a loss. So I would do anything that—as we say in the film, anybody with a desk and a diploma, I would listen to them.” —Rob Reiner, (01:03)

Memorable Moment:

• The report underscores the tragic irony that Rob Reiner, who turned his family's struggles into creative work, became a victim in this story.

2. Thwarted Bomb Plot in Southern California (01:19–02:16)

• Incident: The FBI foiled a bomb plot targeting five locations in Southern California on New Year's Eve.
• Details:
  • Four suspects, linked to the Turtle Island Liberation Front (an offshoot of a pro-Palestinian group), were arrested.
  • Suspects were apprehended while testing pipe bombs in the desert.
  • Authorities recovered explicit plans for the attack.

Notable Quote:

“Carol’s bomb plot was explicit. It included a step by step instructions to build IEDs and, or improvised explosive devices, and listed multiple targets across Orange County and Los Angeles.” —Bill Asale, top federal prosecutor in Los Angeles (01:55)

Key Insight:

• The report highlights ongoing domestic extremism concerns and successful federal intervention.

3. Affordable Care Act Deadline and Rising Premiums (02:16–03:11)

• Issue: Today is the deadline to enroll for ACA marketplace coverage starting January 1.
• Background:
  • Federal subsidies are expiring, causing average premiums to double.
  • Senate Democrats failed to pass an extension bill; GOP proposals do not extend subsidies.
  • Impact: An estimated 4 million Americans may become uninsured.

Notable Quote:

“The 24 million people who were enrolled in plans this year are facing a tough choice. An estimated 4 million will become uninsured because they can’t afford the higher premium costs in most places.” —Selena Simmons Duffin, NPR Health Reporter (02:49)

Takeaway:

• The deadline and sharply rising costs make health insurance inaccessible for many Americans.

4. U.S.-Trinidad and Tobago Military Cooperation Amid Venezuela Tensions (03:11–03:36)

• Development: Trinidad and Tobago grants the US military access to its airports.
• Context:
  • Regional tension with Venezuela.
  • US operations against alleged drug boats ongoing since September.
  • President Trump has suggested possible military strikes on Venezuelan soil.

5. New York AG Sues UPS for Wage Theft (03:36–04:37)

• Allegations:
  • UPS accused of stealing tens of millions from seasonal delivery workers in New York.
  • Claims include unpaid work time, improper deduction of breaks, and lack of compensation for workers using their own cars.
  • Suit seeks $45 million in back pay and an end to “off the clock” work.

Notable Quote:

“James says those wages add up to about $45 million over six years. The lawsuit seeks back pay and penalties and a court order forcing UPS to end off the clock work.” —Melissa Fato, WABE (04:14)

UPS Response:

• UPS claims allegations are unfounded, highlighting their “industry leading” pay.

6. Mariah Carey to Perform at Milan Cortina Winter Olympics Opening (04:37–04:51)

• Announcement: Mariah Carey will headline the opening ceremony for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
• Reason: Organizers praise her ability to evoke the emotional spirit leading up to the Games.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Rob Reiner on Parenting Amid Tough Times:
  “I would do anything... I felt at a loss.” (01:03)

• Federal Prosecutor on Bomb Plot Details:
  “Carol’s bomb plot was explicit. It included step by step instructions…” (01:55)

• Reporter on ACA Coverage Crunch:
  “An estimated 4 million will become uninsured…” (02:49)

• Reporter on UPS Wage Theft Lawsuit:
  “James says those wages add up to about $45 million over six years.” (04:14)

Timestamps of Key Segments

• 00:14 – Ryland Barton leads off with headline on the Reiner murders
• 01:03 – Rob Reiner reflects on his son’s struggles and parenting
• 01:19 – FBI thwarted bomb plot coverage begins
• 01:55 – Prosecutor explains bomb plot details
• 02:16 – ACA deadline and healthcare access crisis
• 03:11 – US military access to Trinidad and Tobago airports
• 03:36 – NY AG’s lawsuit against UPS for wage theft
• 04:37 – Mariah Carey Winter Olympics news

Episode Tone

Clear, urgent, and factual. Reporters and sources speak with empathy on sensitive topics (family tragedy, healthcare costs) and straightforwardness on security and legal action.

For those who missed this episode, this summary captures the essential news and sentiment—providing a thorough yet brisk overview of national and world developments impacting listeners tonight.